Welcome to NAMI Charleston Area

One out of every five families has a loved one who suffers from a major psychiatric illness (brain disorder) such as schizophrenia or bipolar illness (manic depression). Millions more suffer from depression, anxiety, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). The National Alliance on Mental Illness of the Charleston Area is an organization that values all members of the family affected by these disorders. We provide programs for both the family members and clients, all of those whom seek support, education, and advocacy. Our support groups are designed to deliver constructive and compassionate assistance to people in need. 

NAMI Charleston Area offers monthly support groups for family members and friends of those who have a loved one who suffers from a mental illness and also for individuals recovering from a brain disorder/mental illness. Monthly meetings are held on Mondays at 6:00pm at the noted locations. Monthly educational meetings are held at 7:30 following the support group meetings at the First Christian Church, 1293 Orange Grove Road, West Ashley. All meetings are confidential.
 

Don't forget Support Groups 2nd and 4th Monday every month. See calendar of events for more information. Please note contact phone number and address change! NAMI Charleston Area  c/o Ron Rzepkowski 303 Monarch Court Charleston, SC 29414 Phone (843) 571-1832   All other information available on the Blue Links. The 4th Annual Mental Health Month 5k Fun Run and Walk will be held on Saturday, May 17th at Hampton Park, downtown Charleston,  Information                                    Registration Form NAMI Basics Saturday April 10 or Saturday May 1  Jennifer Stimpson and Jane Usinger have completed training for the new NAMI program called "NAMI Basics" for parents and caregivers of children with brain disorders or mental illness of any kind  The course consists of 12 hours of instruction, broken into 6 evening 2-hour sessions or 3 Saturday 4- hour sessions.  The 6 evenings are already in progress and May 1, 8, 15 is planned for the 3 session version.  The 3 Saturday 4-hour sessions with brown bag lunch will be April 19, 26, and May 3.  The exact location has not yet been determined but classes will be held in the Charleston area. The topics discussed in this program include the biological bases of illness, treatment, school issues, and advocacy.  Pre-registration is required, so call Jane now if you are interested.  She can be reached at 843-327-7100  or by email janeeusinger@aol.com.   For more information on NAMI Basics please visit our Education Page 2008 NAMI National Convention 2008 convention  Information Community Resources By MUSC Fact Sheets sponsored by MUSC click here BIPOLAR DISORDER SCHIZOPHRENIA DEPRESSION Peer to Peer is a nine week experiential education course on the topic of recovery for any person with serious mental illness who is interested in establishing and maintaining wellness. Peer-to-Peer classes have been suspended for the time being. Information will be posted when it becomes available. Charleston County  Evacuation Routes Transportation List 2007

Calendar of Events

Please note - the 4th Monday support meetings have been moved to:  Seacoast Church, 717 Long Point Road, Mt. Pleasant - the Multi-Purpose Room - they are no longer held at the Institue of Psychiatry downtown Charleston.

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH!!! Come celebrate with the run/walk on the 17th at Hampton Park.

Saturday May 1:
NAMI Basics begins: Preregistration is required. Contact Jane Usingser at 327-7100 to register.

Monday May 5:
6:00 Board Meeting: First Christian Church 1293 Orange Grove Road

Monday May 12:
Support groups for family members and for individuals recovering from a brain disorder at the First Christian Church, 1293 Orange Grove Road, West Ashley Educational speaker at  7:30 will be Ursula Collin , an MUSC  psychiatric nurse who does psychiatric evaluations for the IOP.  She will talk on the topic of navigating the murky waters of intake, ER, and getting to the right resources for treatment.  Her  background includes graduation from college in Rochester NY in 1992 and has held several positions in the field of psychiatric nursing.

Saturday May 17:
4th Annual Mental Health Month 5k Fun Run & walk is now being planned and is scheduled to be held on Saturday May 17th at Hampton Park, downtown Charleston. Specific information with regard to start times and registration can be found above at the Fun Run/Walk links. Register today - only $15.

Monday May 26:
6:00 Support Groups:  Support groups for family members and for individuals recovering from a brain disorder. Seacoast Church, 717 Long Point Road, Mt. Pleasant - the Multi-Purpose Room

Monday June 2:
6:00 Board Meeting: First Christian Church 1293 Orange Grove Road

Monday June 9:
Support groups for family members and for individuals recovering from a brain disorder at the First Christian Church, 1293 Orange Grove Road, West Ashley 

Monday June 23:
6:00 Support Groups:  Support groups for family members and for individuals recovering from a brain disorder. Seacoast Church, 717 Long Point Road, Mt. Pleasant - the Multi-Purpose Room

Monday July 7:
6:00 Board Meeting: No Board meeting for the summer

Monday July 14:
Support groups for family members and for individuals recovering from a brain disorder at the First Christian Church, 1293 Orange Grove Road, West Ashley 

Monday July 28:
6:00 Support Groups:  Support groups for family members and for individuals recovering from a brain disorder. Seacoast Church, 717 Long Point Road, Mt. Pleasant - the Multi-Purpose Room

 

 

 

 

 

Site last updated:  05/05/2008